Bring the kids?
Those of you with families may at some point ask yourself the question, "Should we bring the kids?" Here's the answer: No. No, no, no. PLEASE don't. I realize that Las Vegas made an attempt in the mid-90s to market itself as a family-friendly destination, where parents and children could all have a great time. It was a load of hooey. Everyone knew it and the poorly conceived campaign died a quick death.
Special events and kids
Avoid!
We've made it clear our official position is that children should not be brought on a Vegas trip. This is especially true at New Year's Eve and when a major boxing title fight is taking place. The town can get extra rowdy during these times, bordering on riotous. I've seen police on horseback riding through the crowds, drunks vomiting in the middle of the sidewalks and fights break out so large they temporarily close traffic on the Strip. And don't forget it was after a Mike Tyson fight when Tupac caught bullets on the Vegas streets.
Not quite a backyard birthday party with Squeez-O the Clown, now is it?
Vegas can be an overwhelming city for anyone — there's lots of drinking, smoking, cursing, yelling and skin on display. With all that stimuli it's no surprise that crying jags, fits of rage and pants-wetting aren't uncommon occurrences… do you really want to expose your children to that sort of behavior from the horserace bettors?
I realize that some parents are going to ignore my pleas to leave the children at home, or are so desperate for a vacation that they'll take a chance and bring the kiddos. If so, make sure that someone in your group is available every minute of the day to watch the young 'uns. Don't think you can just dump them off at the rollercoaster line and head to the blackjack table as a happy couple. If you try that then an hour later discover Little Johnny dealing baccarat while wearing a nametag declaring him to be "Thanh from Vietnam," you have only yourself to blame.
If you absolutely insist on bringing the offspring, the following hotels are about as kid-friendly as it gets in Las Vegas, in order which we'd recommend them to families:
- Circus Circus
- Excalibur
- The Stratosphere
One more thing, keep in mind Las Vegas is in the middle of the desert. Which means dry air, wind-blown skin, dry eyes and, coupled with low hydration and too much cotton candy… well, we'll let you figure out "bathroom" issues and who needs a wet wipe. (Hint: If you're in my group, the answer is me.)
July 31, 2010, 1:59 pm
I took my kids 10,12 and 13 and they had a blast at the Stratosphere hotel it was really nice and there is only nasty stuff in the night NOT ALL THE TIME!!!!!!! It was very beautiful! And im planning on taking my kids there again. We're actually going there tomorrow
June 23, 2010, 2:40 pm
Yes…bring your kids….NO DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES STAY ON THE STRIP…Circus Circus is garbage, Excalibur…go here to take them to the show. Stay at Red Rocks or station casinos with a Kids Quest club. We did this with our 4/2 year old boys….they had a blast! They can stay there up to 5 hours a day and it is a little kids "vegas". I didn't believe it either but they kept calling me and convinced me and my wife. I had taken them for 56k on a trip that is why they kept wanting me to come "on them". Nice try… It was AWESOME and the Red Rocks park is right there…one of the best trips seriously…and the boys constantly ask when we are going — actually they sound like my Red Rocks Casino Host.
June 5, 2010, 2:35 pm
If parents are determined to bring their children to Las Vegas, Excalibur, Circus Circus and the Stratosphere are the best available options. But make no mistake, the tourist areas of Vegas are absolutely NOT a place for kids. Disneyland is a family-friendly vacation spot; the Vegas Strip is a place where sidewalks are lined by gamuts of people trying to hand out cards and flyers for escort services.
The FirstTimeLasVegas.com position remains this: It's best to leave the children at home. Vegas is an adult playground.
June 5, 2010, 8:29 am
We took our kids 3 boys from the ages 1 year to 17 years old , stayed at Ecalibur for 7 days and had an absolute blast!!! theres PLENTY of things for them to do. As far as the comments on swearing and smoke and skin on display…hog wash! thats usually in the casinos and only at night…and really?? not that bad worse is seen and heard on tv these days! Get a grip Vegas is now family friendly..get over it!